Some of our History

The Hinton Nordic Centre (formerly Athabasca Lookout Nordic Centre) was originally built in 1985 through the dedication of the Hinton Nordic Skiers (HNS), a non-profit organization made up entirely of volunteers.

With racing as its main focus, the government heavily subsidized the construction of the Centre and its operations through grants. The land encompassing the Nordic Centre was designated a special place in 2001 and was incorporated into William A. Switzer Provincial Park. We work cooperatively with Alberta Parks and are currently receiving valuable logistical support as well as a yearly contract worth $10,000 to provide them with ski trail grooming services.

Although a general decline in financial support from the government has presented new challenges, the Hinton Nordic Skiers have sought out new partnerships and so far have met the challenges very successfully. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Centre and are responsible for everything from trail cleanup in the fall to grooming during the ski season to fundraising during the summer. Through these efforts the groomers are kept running and the lodge kept warm and welcoming.